The Primary Election will be on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The Free Press reached out to the Marion County Register of Deed candidates to help voters get to know them a little better. Both candidates were given the same questions. In addition, each candidate was asked to include some personal information about themselves. Their answers are included here exactly as given with no editing.
The following answers were submitted by Republican candidate Hannah Branson. 
Q. What is the role of the register of deeds?
The Register of Deeds Office files legal documents such as mortgages, death certificates, real estate deeds and land titles.
Q. Why are you the best candidate for the role?
I am familiar with the job, having worked in the office previously and attaining the role of Deputy Register of Deeds. My knowledge of how the office functions and my attention to detail will serve me well in this position. I’m excited to learn as much as I can and to help get the office more up to date to better serve the community.
Personal information: I’ve been a Marion County resident for going on 27 years now. I went to school here, my husband, Jack, went to school here and now we are raising our four girls here. This year we have two girls in high-school, an 8th grader and a 5th grader. When I’m not running my girls around, I enjoy sitting on my porch and hanging out with my family.
The following answers were submitted by Republican candidate Shelby Schroeder. 
Q. What is the role of the register of deeds?
The Register of Deeds office records all deeds, mortgages, plats and surveys in the county. The Register of Deeds Office is a cornerstone of Marion County and it is imperative that the records are maintained with accuracy and integrity by following the state statutes.
Q. Why are you the best candidate for the role?
While in my current position in Mapping within the Appraisers office I have become proficient in reading and writing legal descriptions, reading and interpreting deeds, and the process of splitting and combining properties, just to name a few things that I do on a daily basis. All deeds filed in the Register of Deeds Office make their way down to my office for processing. I am confident that the knowledge and expertise that I have developed over the last two years within the Appraiser’s office will follow me to the Register of Deeds office. I have the skills and perseverance to excel at anything life throws at me. My attention to detail and thoroughness are qualities that will allow me to succeed in this position. I am reliable and consistent and take pride in my work. My work ethic is an asset to the county and I am excited to bring a fresh perspective to the department and advance my career further with the county.
Personal information: I was born and raised in Fresno, California, until moving to Marion in June 2022. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a cumulative GPA of 3.8 from Fresno State with a bachelor’s degree in education. My older brother Roger graduated from Tabor College and chose to settle in Marion. His wife Kylie is the Middle & High School art teacher in Marion and Roger is the Vice President at Marion National Bank and he has been the high school baseball coach for the last 14 years. I have two beautiful nieces who played a big part in my decision to relocate to Marion. My younger brother Tyler, also a graduate of Fresno State, moved from California to Marion in 2019 and works in sales at Western Associates and his girlfriend Carson teaches at Marion Elementary. My parents own a home here in Marion and split time between Marion and California since all three of us are here now. I have worked in the Marion County Appraiser’s office for the last two years. My family and I have put down roots and made connections in this community. We are all property owners, taxpayers, and proud community members.
